Along with an estimated 17.1 million others in the U.S. on Sunday, I tuned into the long awaited interview of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. (No judgment, please… football season is over and March Madness is still a few short days away.)
But as with many topics, today’s post pertains to far more than one more read about the Royals. Alas, for those choosing not to tune in, allow us to share a few facts prior to acknowledging how the post applies to so much more…
- In January of 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they would be stepping away from “senior” royal roles and would work to become financially independent.
- In February of 2021, they chose to fully step away, confirming they will discontinue any responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a two hour interview. Oprah had initially asked for an interview prior to their marriage in 2018.
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, joined only the latter hour of the interview. Meghan did most of the talking.
- Meghan is former American actress; she is biracial.
- Meghan said prior to marriage, she was not aware of the complexities of the Royal Family and their operations.
- When pregnant with their first child, Meghan said some family members were concerned with “how dark his skin might be when he was born”; she would not identify the family members.
- Meghan also said when first pregnant, she was informed the child would not be named a prince or princess and would not get the protection that accompanies said title; she says she received no reason why.
- She said she struggled with significant suicidal thoughts.
- Addressing tabloid headlines claiming Meghan had made her sister-in-law, Kate, cry over her daughter the flower girl’s dress, Meghan said it was instead Kate who made her cry.
- Prince Harry said his father, Prince Charles, stopped taking his calls.
- He said there is “space” between him and his brother, Prince William.
- Addressing their estimated $100 million deal with Netflix and $25 million deal with Spotify, Prince Harry said such was “never their intention,” but he needed the money “to keep my family safe.”
- He said his family “cut me off financially” and that he was only able to remove himself from royal life thanks to money left to him by his late mother, Princess Diana.
- In reference to Princess Diana, he said, “I think she saw it coming.”
Some additional, insightful quotes…
- Said Meghan: “Not only was I not being protected, but they were willing to lie to protect other members of the family, but they weren’t willing to tell the truth to protect me and my husband.”
- In regard to her suicidal thoughts: “I went to the Institution and I said I need to go somewhere to get help … and I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the Institution.”
- Also, Meghan on any regrets: “My regret is believing them when they said I would be protected.”
- Said Harry of his father: “I feel really let down, because he’s been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like.”
- Said Harry of royal life: “I was trapped but I didn’t know I was trapped. Trapped within the system like the rest of the family. My father and my brother are trapped.”
There are other nuggets of news for the curious to savor, but allow us to sum up the time as concisely as possible — and the why as to how this applies to so much more:
This was the sharing of a singular perspective.
Friends, allow me to be clear. The perspective shared may be completely, 100% accurate. At the very least, it seems to be what Prince Harry and Meghan actually feel. As much, therefore, as I’m hesitate airing family matters in public forums (as it severely impairs reconciliation efforts), Harry and Meghan’s feelings are valid simply because they feel them.
But the key distinction is that while feelings are valid and thus indicative of perspective, perspective does not equate to truth.
So when Oprah encourages yet another to speak her “truth,” while the sentiment is sincere, it’s simply the wrong choice of words. There are many perspectives, but there’s only one truth. Harry and Meghan shared a perspective.
No doubt such is applicable to all situations… indeed, on all sides of the Atlantic.
Respectfully…
AR